The PERFECT way to start your summer: A Beautiful Lake House!

What Can You Expect from the Omaha Real Estate Market in 2014?

What Can You Expect from the Omaha Real Estate Market in 2014?

People have been frequently asking me about what the market will do in 2014. We are off to a strong start! Inventory is still very low making now a great time to list your home. If you are thinking about selling, do it as soon as possible! There are a lot of buyers out there and rates are projected to rise as we move towards spring time. With inventory and rates low, you have a much better chance of selling now.

As spring comes, more homes will come on the market and interest will rise. However, more buyers will come as well! I believe 2014 will be fantastic. If you’re a motivated seller, price your home according to comparable homes and work with a great agent that will help you with this, you will have no problem selling your home! The Omaha market is always a great market.

If you know of anyone who is looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate, give us a call! We would be more than happy to help. Thanks and have a great day.

We Thought it Was Time for a Change!

We Thought it Was Time for a Change!

We are so excited for 2014 and all the opportunities that lie ahead for our team. First and foremost, we will be re-branding. Team Elliott has served us well for many years; but from now on, we will be calling ourselves Elliott Co. As we begin to get involved with other ventures inside the real estate industry, along with our philanthropy, we felt a new brand was appropriate.

Be on the lookout for Elliott Co. Also, be sure to tell us what you think and stop by to say hello; we’re always home! If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate, don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks and have a great day!

Happy Holidays from Team E!

In case you missed it, we have officially become a part of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Real Estate. More importantly, I wanted to wish you a very happy holiday season and to personally thank you for all of your referrals and support throughout 2013. As a reminder, it’s still a great time to buy and sell real estate. So if you know anybody who is looking to buy or sell, be sure to reach out to me.

I hope you’re having a wonderful day and have a wonderful holiday season!!

Is Now the Time to List Your Home?

Is Now the Time to List Your Home?

Today I am here with Gina Elliot to speak about the seriousness of our low inventory and the amount of buyers and investors looking to purchase homes. Many people are serious about buying with the low interest rates and uncertainty of how long they will stay down but with the low inventory, they’re just waiting for things to come around.

Another question we get this time of year is whether or not people should wait until spring to enter the market. With the low inventory and interest rates, now is a great time to be selling your home. It is important to have your home in great condition and priced correctly as well. If you’re motivated, now is the time to sell!

If you have any questions, call us, text us or send us an email. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Should You Wait to List Your Home?

Should You Wait to List Your Home?

Today, Jeremy Wilhelm from Private Mortgage Group has joined me to answer some questions about the current state of the mortgage business. “This is the perfect time to talk about selling your house and what’s going on in the mortgage market,” Jeremy said. “We’re seeing a huge rally in regards to interest rates dropping. Possibly in the next two days we may see a quarter percent drop in interest rates, which is huge,” he continued.

The issue is getting the word out to sellers, because everything we are listing right now sells very fast due to the lack of inventory. Sellers who wish to wait until spring are missing out on a fantastic time to sell. “Not only is the market poised for interest rates but 4.5% on 30 year money is excellent right now,” Jeremy stated.

Jeremy also explained that if a buyer wants to move up price ranges but waits until spring, they could lose up to $40,000 in interest over the 30 year period.

If you have any questions, please call email or text us and we will also provide Jeremy’s information. Thanks and have a great day!

Visiting "I Think Fit" Gym - With Heath Murray

With fall approaching, I wanted to talk about how important health and fitness is. For the last two and a half years, I have been working with Heath Murray, owner of I Think Fit Gym. Heath helped me devise a workout plan to burn fat and increase muscle definition that consisted of three day sessions targeting specific muscle groups and having me do three days of cardio on my own. Working together, I have lost 16 lbs. of body fat, 4 lbs. gained in muscle mass and which coincides with a 10% total loss in body fat.

“Kudos to her, I think she’s done a real good job and I think she feels a lot better about herself,” Heath said. This is true and not only do I feel better about myself, my overall health is better, too. My immune system is built up and I am not getting sick as much, I’m sleeping better and the fact that I have much more energy is so important. If you have any health or fitness goals, I strongly suggest working with a trainer.

When I tell people about what I did, people are shocked about the financial commitment. Heath put it into perspective by telling me that we don’t think about how much we spend on a car payment and a house payment, but to invest in ourselves and our well-being, it’s something special.

“We have to overcome a lot of [that] in the profession because most people don’t see the value in the service when comparing to other gym memberships like 24 Hour Fitness where you pay $20 a month,” Heath explained. “But what we’re going to do is we will bring someone in, hold them accountable, put them on a calorie and goal specific plan and get them going in the direction they want.

There is a bit of a financial commitment, but doing so keeps people showing up,” Heath said. Heath helped me realize how important it was to invest in myself and really get the “wow” factor in my aesthetics.

 “Those are things you just can’t put a price tag on.”

For me, the accountability is huge. I like being on a schedule and it gets me up in the morning. The feeling that I accomplished something early on in the day is really great. Heath gave some pointers for people going in to a fitness program, “Have a goal in mind, see the trainer’s credentials, make sure the atmosphere makes you feel good and most importantly make you connect with the members and that you are going into a family friendly atmosphere.”

I Think Fit also stocks a great line of fitness products called Rock Solid. So it’s a bonus to get my egg whites and protein powder, as well as any other supplements you may need in one stop. I Think Fit Gym has over 30 different camp times available which includes diet tracking, the flexibility of working with different trainers in a small group setting while keeping costs down. For people outside the Omaha Area, they can plan people’s workouts through our website.

If you have any other questions, call Heath at 402-203-8824. Thanks and have a great day!

Government Shutdown Risks Hurting The Housing Recovery

Government Shutdown Risks Hurting The Housing Recovery

From: http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2013/10/01/heres-how-the-government-shutdown-will-affect-housing/

By:  Morgan Brennan, Forbes Staff

The government shutdown is here. Whether it’s not being able to get a new Social Security card or visit a national park, Americans will immediately feel the effects. But there’s one bright spot of the economy that stands to be affected as well: housing.

One of the biggest questions regarding the shutdown and how it will affect housing has revolved around the mortgage market, specifically prospective buyers’ access to new home loans. After all, more than 90% of all loan activity is underwritten, insured, or owned by the government and its affiliated entities.

Initially at least, the mortgage market is likely to be only minimally impacted. New loans will continue to push through most government agency pipelines. What will change is how long the process takes, as many agencies expect to experience delays.

Mortgages purchased and securitized by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be unaffected because their operations are paid for by fees charged to lenders. And the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to guarantee mortgages for Americans that have served in the military since these loans are funded by user fees as well.

But if the government shutdown of 1995-1996 is any indicator, the process will take longer than usual. “Loan Guaranty certificates of eligibility and certificates of reasonable value were delayed,” the VA warned in its September 25th contingency plan.

Where there has been mounting concern is the Federal Housing Administration, which currently endorses about 15% of the entire single-family mortgage market. Several media outlets recently reported that the FHA would be unable to endorse any single-family loans and that no staff would be available underwrite and approve new loans.

That prospect would be somewhat worrisome – if it were actually true. The FHA’s Office of Single Family Housing will indeed remain open for business, albeit with a smaller staff. “FHA will be able to endorse single family loans during the shutdown. A limited number of FHA staff will be available to underwrite and approve new loans,” the report now states. In other words, other lenders’ loans will continue to be insured and some in-house lending will continue to take place at a reduced rate.

The reason for that mix-up: the initial draft of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s contingency plan mistakenly stated that single-family loan operations would cease. The report was amended over the weekend.

The FHA’s single-family loan operations are funded through multi-year appropriations, meaning their budget is not tied to the government’s standoff over funding for the new fiscal year that starts in October. On the other hand, what will be more affected is the agency’s Multifamily Housing Office, which is funded through yearly appropriations.

“Because we are able to endorse loans, we don’t expect the impact on the housing market to be significant, as long as the shutdown is brief,” continues the HUD report. “If the shutdown lasts and our commitment authority runs out, we do expect that potential homeowners will be impacted, as well as home sellers and the entire housing market.”

One government lender that will indeed suspend its home loan activity, however, is the Department of Agriculture. The USDA says that no new housing loans or guarantees will be issued through its Rural Development programs in a shutdown. The department also warns that such a scenario could cause “a setback in construction start-up,” and if the shutdown lasts for an extended period, “a substantial reduction in housing available in rural areas relative to population.”

“The government doesn’t generally approve loans, they basically just insure them,” says Don Frommeyer, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers and a vice president at Amtrust Mortgage Funding. “For the most part you aren’t going to see much of a hit in the mortgage market unless it goes for a long period of time.”

If it does stretch on, he adds, the worry will be what mortgage rates do in a market shrouded in fiscal uncertainty and how that will affect the home buying, especially in light of recent rate spikes.

Home lending aside, many economists and real estate experts are keeping a close watch on how Americans will react to this shutdown. “Administratively everything should keep moving along, but it’s more about the confidence of consumers and whether they perceive that the government shutdown could lead to a recession,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.

Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi recently told the Senate Budget Committee that a partial shutdown could shave as much as 1.4 percentage points off of fourth quarter economic growth if it drags on for several weeks.

Americans’ confidence in their ability to buy and sell homes hit a record high in May, according to a Fannie Mae survey. Since then, as mortgage rates jumped more than a percentage point, that confidence level has plateaued.  If prospective homebuyers fear that the country’s economic recovery will stall, or worse slip back into recession, they will pull back on purchases, worries Yun.

“Home sales is always the first housing variable that changes so one would see sales declining and that would naturally lead to more inventory on the market and eventually put pressure on prices,” he says. But that would be a worst-case scenario based on a long-term shutdown.

Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia TRLA +6.43%, notes that if the shutdown lasts longer than a few days, the first places to feel the impact will be local economies with large concentrations of federal government workers. Metro areas like Washington, D.C. and Bethesda, Md., where 19% and 13% respectively of total local wages go to federal employees, would be the feel the negative effects of unpaid furloughs and with them, tightened consumer spending and weakening local economic growth. Though not all will be equally affected, other metro areas like Virginia Beach, Va., Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dayton, Ohio are areas that Kolko is keeping an eye on: “Whether there is a big effect depends on how long the shutdown lasts, how long people think the shutdown lasts, and whether people get back-pay. All those things matter for the impact.”

Still others are worrying even more about the next fiscal standoff, in  mid-October, surrounding the debt ceiling debate and its accompanying threat of debt default by the U.S.  ”With the threat of an impending partial government shutdown and yet another battle over the nation’s debt ceiling, in particular, we are really messing with fire right now—even if it doesn’t seem to bother some legislators,” says Stan Humphries, chief economist at Zillow.

“But the effects of a government default associated with the impending debt-ceiling deadline would be more pronounced because of its greater impact on domestic and international markets. This will rattle consumers and investors alike, slow down the overall economic recovery and further slow the housing recovery, which is already undergoing a moderation in the pace of home value gains due to rising mortgage rates,” he warns.

Our Recipe for Success When Selling a Home

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to my video blog.

Today, I am at 5011 S. 239 St., a beautiful home in the Hamptons. This four bedroom, six bathroom home is nestled into a 100 year old oak forest. The almost new home has a walk though pantry, an open floor plan and almost everything else you can think of!

Today, I wanted to talk about the perfect recipe to sell your home. Don’t tell anyone, though! It’s our secret!

The first ingredient is choosing the proper price. Together, the sellers and I determine a price we are both satisfied with.

Then we bring in a professional stager to help arrange the home and make it appealing to a wide range of potential buyers.

Once the home is in good condition, a professional photographer comes in to take beautiful pictures to showcase your home.

Those pictures are then put on the MLS. Did you know most buyers start their search online? That’s why professional photographs that compliment your home are crucial! They are the first impression your home makes on a potential buyer.

If you would like to see this beautiful Hamptons home click here (NEED LINK TO HOME)!

Thank you for watching and as always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me at 402.445.4899

Spring Parade of Homes 2013

Spring Parade of Homes 2013

May 11-19, 2013  Saturday & Sunday Noon-6pm Weekdays 5pm-8pm Free to the Public.

It's that time of year again, "The Spring Parade of Homes," is here! There are 55 homes open for you to tour in 33 different subdivisions. Watch for the blue parade of homes signs to guide you to all the homes in the parade.

Click here for a complete list of addresses for all 55 homes

You can find Team Elliott at our ADC Custom Homes Model at: 17613 Douglas Circle"

This sophisticated, striking open Ranch floor plan design built by Advance Design & Construction (ADC) has high ceilings & a modish, vogue design. The remarkable gourmet kitchen is oversized including stunning granite countertops, sleek wood cabinetry, a monster center island with ample work space to pleasure & entertain your guests and a first class hidden pantry. The entire home has a phenomenal, mind blowing camera, security, & sound system.

Team Elliott's Video Blog: "Love What You Do"

Team Leader Teresa Elliott discusses her strategies for success. "Love What You Do" "Hold Your Self Accountable to a Schedule" "Make No Excuses"

FEATURED LISTING: 12918 Hamilton St WATCH A VIDEO TOUR:

VERY Impressive 1.5 Story in Ridgefield! Truly a first class home! A happening kit that has it all! Top of the line appliances, travertine flrs, granite,ctr island,wine fridge,&pantry.Great rm has outrageous floor to ceiling brick frplc. Plantation shutters throughout.Dreamy Mstr retreat is very swank w fabulous fireplace & architecturally designed windows.A glamorous bath area to relax & spoil yourself. Enormous Mstr closet w/wood flrs & many built ins. Incredible all wood fenced back yard w/fire pit.

Thanks a million! Teresa Elliott

Prudential Ambassador - Team Elliottwww.teameomaha.com 402.690.1573 (call anytime, it's my cell) teresa@teamelliott.net

Gardening Tips & Video: Keeping a Positive Mindset

FEATURED LISTING VIDEO TOUR: Hello Friends and Family, Spring is finally here (even if the weather hasn't realized that yet!) Today I want to share a video with you about mindset and spreading a positive attitude to those around you. It's easy to feel a little less cheerful, especially with gloomy weather and cold temps, but keeping a positive outlook can make your life a whole lot sunnier! Spring Gardening Tips from Mulhall's Landscape Designer Karen Richards Prune trees and shrubs except spring bloomers like Forsythia, Bridal Spirea, Lilacs, and Azaleas. Remember NOT to prune “Endless Summer” hydrangeas until they leaf out. Cut back ornamental grasses, perennials and liriope before new growth appears. Apply pre-emergent to lawns and flower beds. Pay special attention to the lawn along the edge of the road as it warms up quicker and consequently weed seeds will germinate quicker…….especially the dreaded crab grass! Spring containers can be planted as soon as the soil in the pots thaws out…………………..pansies are a safe bet since they can tolerate low temperatures. Prune roses in April and fertilize. Starting in May summer containers can be planted. Plant annuals after Mother’s Day. In May, monitor plants for health and well-being, especially bagworms and spider mites. Prune azaleas, forsythia and Bridal spirea. Divide Irises and re-plant Remove spent tulip bulbs and tuck daffodil (and other perennial bulbs) foliage under new growth of perennials. Do not cut the foliage of spring bulbs as they need to re-charge the bulbs for the next spring.   Mulhall's Nursery, Inc. Phone:  (402) 963-0763 Mobile: (402) 616-2034 Fascimile:  (402) 963-0707   Website:  www.mulhalls.com Thanks a million! Teresa Elliott Prudential Ambassador - Team Elliott www.teameomaha.com 402.690.1573 (call anytime, it's my cell) teresa@teamelliott.net
	Have you worked with us? Please Consider Reviewing us on Zillow!

St. Patrick's Day

		I'm 100% Italian, but who isn't a little Irish on St. Patrick's day? Join me for a quick tour of the Dubliner Pub in Omaha's Historic Old Market Area. The Dubliner is located in the basement of "a building that's almost as old as Omaha" which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Dubliner is Opening early at 6am on Saturday and the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade goes right by their front door. Live music will begin at 12pm-4pm & 9:30pm-1:30am. On Sunday, St.Patricks Day, the bar opens at 6:00 a.m. and will be serving Lucky Charms for breakfast & Corn Beef and Cabbage for lunch. Josh Ortman will be playing 9:00-12:00 and Dicey Riley will play1:00-5:00 & 7:00-11:00. For more information about the dubliner Pub, check out:http://www.dublinerpubomaha.com/ Friends, I have a favor to ask of you. My business is largely built on referrals from current and past customers. I would be very grateful if you’d take a few minutes to post a reference for me at the following link: http://www.zillow.com/reviews/write?s=X1-ZUyto8iwmo0gsp_6wmna Since I’m a firm believer in taking good care of my clients, I’ll send a Starbucks gift card for doing this so let me know when you’ve done it! Thanks a million! Teresa Elliott Prudential Ambassador - Team Elliott http://www.teamelliott.net 402.690.1573 (call anytime, it's my cell) teresa@teamelliott.net

Teresa Elliott shares her Family's Famous Italian Meatballs Recipe & Cooking Video

New Year's Gift: My Family's Secret Meatball Recipe

1/1/2013 | Cooking with Teresa, Italian Meatballs | Omaha, NE

We love to entertain and cook for our friends! This year, I have received so many requests for my secret family meatball recipe. It's my joy to share it with you and let you know all of my tips and tricks along the way. I created a cooking video just for some holiday fun. I hope all of my friends, family, colleagues, and clients get a chance to make these yummy appetizers, because that means they're having company, and who doesn't love having company? 

We at Team Elliott hope you and your loved ones had an amazing 2012, and that you have an even better 2013! 

Street of Dreams: Behind the Scenes at The Coventry Estates

Street of Dreams: 

A behind the scenes look at the Street of Dreams 2012

9/15//2012 | Behind The Scenes at the Street of Dreams | Omaha, NE – The 2012 Street of Dreams Kicks off today. This year's Street of Dreams features 8 homes with 7 different builders, including the custom that ADC Homes built for our clients, the Jackson family!
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Street of Dreams Special Events Calendar:

September 15th - Opening Day!  get the first view of the homes, open from 11am-7:30pm

16th - Live music listen to the music of Chris Saub from 1-4pm 

20th - Ladies' Day Out  wine tastings, cooking demos, live music, giveaways, and more!

22nd - Husker Day  watch the game as you tour the homes and win husker themed prizes!

23rd - Live music listen to the music of the Dan Cerveny Jazz Quartet  from 1- 4pm

28th - Celebrate 28! vote on your favorite "confection art" display created by local bakeries in each home

29th - Celebrate 28! cake display winners announced

30th - Celebrate 28! and Live music listen to the music of Michael Lyon from 1-4pm